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Occupational asthma due to pepsin.
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|May 1, 1984
Summary
Occupational asthma caused by pepsin powder exposure was diagnosed in a 30-year-old atopic worker. Specific inhalation challenges and positive pepsin IgE RAST confirmed pepsin allergy as the cause.
Area of Science:
- Occupational medicine
- Allergology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Atopic individuals may be susceptible to occupational allergens.
- Asthma symptoms can be triggered by workplace exposures.
Observation:
- A 30-year-old atopic worker reported increased asthma symptoms at work.
- Peak expiratory flow rate monitoring showed significant work-related fluctuations.
- Skin prick tests revealed an immediate reaction to pepsin.
Findings:
- Specific inhalation challenges confirmed pepsin allergy, eliciting an intense early asthmatic response.
- Pepsin-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) RAST testing was positive.
- The IgE response was selectively inhibited by pepsin, confirming specificity.
Implications:
- Pepsin is a potential occupational allergen causing asthma.
- Identifying specific allergens is crucial for managing occupational asthma.
- Further research into respiratory sensitization to enzymes like pepsin is warranted.
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